Super stealth-meister Simon Cowell has turned his first dastardly TV trick of the year by stealing Strictlyâs Alesha Dixon for his Britainâs Got Talent panel and explaining that he wants to give the sagging talent show a facelift.
One-time musician Dixon has been awarding marks to waltzing celebrities for the past three years but will now join BGT panelists Amanda Holden and David Walliams over on ITV.
Cowell spoke of how he would be seeking to “change the perception” of the show this year, making it “younger and better”. He then added: “I miss the British public, and I miss judging them. I’ve worked in America all this year but now I’ve got itchy feet again.
“I want to find the next generation of talent. Different and new acts, younger and better talent. I think there’s a notion that all we want is older people who sing opera.”
The beeb hired Dixon back in 2009 after she won the SCD title in 2007 (controversially sacking Arlene Phillips in the process) but Cowell has reportedly offered her £350,000 to make the move – around three times her Strictly salary.
Alesha said (and thankfully did not rap): “After three incredible years on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, I have decided that it is time to move on. Strictly Come Dancing will always hold a special place in my heart as it has been such an amazing experience, both as a winning competitor and as a judge.”
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in the show, the production team, my fellow judges, and a very special thank you to the fans for their support.”
After her career as a sexy girl group rapstress began to flag somewhat, she joined Strictly as a contestant in 2007, and then went on to win the show.
A spokeswoman for the BBC said: âAlesha has had three very successful series and we wish her well for the future. The BBC gave her a fantastic opportunity and she has really grown her career and she is now off for a different challenge.â?
OTB think that as the latest to step over to the dark side Alesha should take heed of Cherylâs sad tale with cautionâ¦.
Auditions for Britain’s Got Talent start later this month.
